Short Term & Customized: Ghana
Plan a Program in Ghana
Amizade participants live in the overgrown village of Jukwa, a member of the former Denkyira Kingdom, about 20 miles north of Cape Coast. A little over a decade ago, Jukwa had no electricity, no public water, and cell phones were nowhere to be found. Change has been fast for the town, which now boasts all of the aforementioned amenities, as well as a series of paved roads, a guest house, and a growing small business base.

OVERVIEW
While in Ghana, participants can also visit and stay in the town of Winneba. Winneba is a historic fishing port, located on the south coast, about 90 miles east of Cape Coast. During their time in Winneba, Participants will work with Amizade’s community partners who are at the forefront of Ghana’s fight against child slavery and human trafficking.

QUICK FACTS
Location: Jukwa and Winneba, Rural Ghana, West Africa
Support: Community Initiatives in Ghana
Education Opportunities: Slavery, Colonialism, the Ghanaian Revolution, History of the Denkyira State, Reforestation, and the Human Trafficking Lecture Series

QUICK FACTS
Lodging: Hostels and hotels, homestays possible
Food: Lots of local fruit and starches, beans, fish, some chicken
Flights: 3 nonstop routes now from the US (10 hours)
Visa: Yes, obtained through mail to the embassy
HOW TO PLAN A PROGRAM
We pride ourselves in creating mutually empowering and safe global service-learning programs. This means that when you develop an experience with Amizade, you’re building a responsible, intentional, and community driven service-learning program. Programs typically have three phases: (1) pre-immersion, (2) immersion, and (3) re-entry. Amizade works with you in all three phases to develop your program, including to build curriculum, itineraries, budgets, evaluation, follow-up, and sustainability.
The first step in building your program is to have a chat with us. We’re a people-powered organization, which means a little less tech and a little more human conversation. Send us an email, give us a ring or fill out this form to initiate the start of your journey.
Once we’re all feeling good about a potential collaboration and have a clear, co-created vision, Amizade and its partners submit a proposal to you. The proposal will include an overview of what you might be engaging in, a draft itinerary, health and safety information, and a transparent line-item budget.
After the proposal is agreed on, we send over a digital contract. This includes important legal and financial considerations. After a signed contract and a non-refundable $1,000 deposit are submitted, we can officially lock in your dates and begin the process of preparing for your program.
This phase includes pre-departure orientations (we mandate at least one with our staff), learning about the process of travel, culture, service, and the community you are visiting. This is also when family and community sensitization takes place, as well as any relevant coursework. Often this is when we see group bonding start, comfort zones being extended, and new challenges (as well as some nerves and excitement).
This is the travel phase. Community engagement, reflective practice, academic inquiry, and exploration all should be taking place at this time. All of our programs are a mixture of service, workshops, and cultural and recreational activities. Participants will step out of their comfort zones, try new things, engage complex issues, be introduced to new networks and ideas, and bond. Often this can be a very disrupting, inspiring, and transformational experience.
After a transformative experience, we sometimes can fall right back into the grind of life when we return home. It can be tough, isolating, and confusing. Re-entry is perhaps the most important phase for determining what kind of neighbor – the very person – you become. It’s also the easiest to ignore. In this phase, there should be a serious reflection, advocacy, support systems, and/or a plan for community engagement, or social action. Depending on the design and funding of your program, Amizade can help create a plan and opportunities for participants.
Since 1994 we have been thought leaders and pioneers in developing best practices in responsible global service-learning, study abroad, and solidarity-building volunteering experiences. We work with:
Universities (faculty-led, alternative break, and semester abroad)
High Schools
Community and Religious Groups
Corporations
Government Agencies
SAMPLE ITINERARY
Find here a sample itinerary of activities in Ghana.